Can i mess up my dental implant with my tongue? i got a dental implant for the first time a little over a week ago, and i'm having a really hard time not touching it or probing at it with my tongue. since it's such a new implant, i'm wondering if i can lo

Not : Not likely. It's like anything brand new in your mouth, your tongue uncontollably explores it. As healing becomes more mature, you will forget it is even there.

You : You can touch it with your tongue. You will not loosen it by just touching it. Forceful pressure can have adverse effects, but a light touch will not.

You : You will probably make your tongue really sore long before you will begin to have any effect on the implant itself, buy worrying the tissue around the new cover screw that goes over the implant could make it sore and suggest not doing that any more. I have never heard of an implant cover screw coming loose by tongue pressure, but there might always be a first time, and you don't want it to be on you. Dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

I : I agree with the other doctors. If you were able to loosen the implant with your tongue- it certainly couldn't stand up to the stress of chewing. Hopefully you will soon get used to it in your mouth and you will not develop a habit of continuing to play with it.

Not really: Most of the time dental implants are submerged (placed under the gum) and it is impossible to feel them during the healing period. I am assuming your implant was placed in a one stage surgery where implant and the abutment were placed at the same time. You will not be able to harm it by your tongue touching it; just be careful not to poke at it with any thing else.

Yes: Playing with the implant with your tongue can cause micro movement which can interfere with the implants ability to fuse to your bone. If this happens the implant can fail. You need to stop playing with your implant.

Possibly: If bone was good should not be a problem , if bone grade 1 , you may effect the healing process. Just stay away from it. Or have your dentist change the healing cap to be flush or below your gum so you will not touch the healing cap that is above your gum now.

Very low probability: There is no problem with the tongue touching it as for talking, eating, and normal activity. It would be excessive if your tongue was actively pushing on the implant. The lower the height of the implant is above the gum the less force that can be applied. Your surgeon knows the specifics of your situation. I would call the surgeon.

Be Strong: Be strong and leave it alone. Pressure on it in the first few weeks can affect the long term results.

No: Depending on where the implant is located, your mouth and tongue may have a harder time adapting to it's new friend! give it some time. Make sure the bite feels ok to you. Begin eating a bit more slowly and softer at first, until you get used to the new prosthesis. You should be just fine. Keep smiling !

No: You may irritate the tissue and slow the tissue healing, but your tongue activity should not be a concern for the viability of the implant.